Featured property

The Old Walnut Mill  Delightful, spacious 2 bedroom  19th Century Loire Valley house for rent in the peaceful village of Barrou in the department of Indre et Loire,France. The village’s location halfway between the regional capitals of Tours and Poitiers makes it an ideal base to explore the Loire Valley and Vienne. 

Click here to visit owner's web site

   Chateau Fourgeres-sur-Bievre  is in the small but charming village of the same name which lies 10km southwest of  Cheverny in the department of Loir-et-Cher. Although not on the 'A' list  of  Loire Valley chateaux it is worth adding onto your itinerary when in the area visiting its grander neighbours.

 What you see today is castle that was rebuilt after its predecessor was destroyed during the Hundred Years War (those 'Englais' again) and judging by the structure it looks as if they were anticipating another! It was even better defended than you see today as it would have had a moat, now filled in and drawbridge.

It is a veritable fortress, turned tightly in on its internal courtyard. After  Cheverny you will find this a complete contrast as the rooms are mainly devoid of any furniture or decoration. You can however stroll freely about its many corridors, rooms and spiral staircases, even clambering under the roof or stroll  along the guard's walk. It is easy to imagine you have stepped back to another time.

The castle was purchased and restored by the state in the 1930s and they have now designated it as an educational chateau so there are interactive exhibits, children's activities and a living garden with a small menagerie.-  various exhibits within the castle explain medieval building techniques. You'll need fairly good  French however  to appreciate the detail.

Open

from May 8 to September 10, every day : 9:30-12:30 and 14-18:30
from September 11 to May 7, every day except Tuesday : 10-12:30 and 14-17

Entry: under 17s free 18-25  3.5euros  all others 5 euros

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http://www.experienceloire.com/